Mercedes GLC SUV Unveiled [ Engine details inside]

Mercedes-Benz has recently pulled the wraps off their new SUV in the lineup christened as Mercedes GLC SUV as they’ve been spotted testing on international roads on multiple occasions. This new SUV will be positioned between the GLA and the GLE models. The GLC is intended to replace the GLK SUV in the international market. The styling of the GLC is quite distinctive and sporty from the rest of the SUVs in the Mercedes lineup

Company sources have confirmed to our sister publication Autocar UK, that the GLC will come in a right-hand-drive configuration for the first time. In line with Mercedes’ new nomenclature, the new car will be badged GLC rather than GLK. It has been developed in a joint engineering programme with the new C-class and shares crucial elements of that car’s platform, drivelines and technical features. Codenamed X253, the new Mercedes SUV looks at providing stiff competition to the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Mercedes GLC Rear

Stylistically, the latest GLC is a radical departure from its predecessor. Gone are the square-edged military vehicle-inspired lines. Replaced by a much more expressive exterior, the design has strong links to the current C-class. The headlamps too are now more in line with the styling on the C-class, while the windscreens are heavily raked.

The interiors of the new GLC is similar to the rest of the Mercedes family, especially C-Class. There is a cool blue ambient lighting running around along with a host of new technology on offer including COMAND system, panoramic sunroof, 360 degree park assist, etc. It is based on the same architecture as the Mercedes C-Class but has a longer wheelbase.

Mercedes GLC Dashboard

Powering the Mercedes GLC are a range of diesel and petrol engine options with a new 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLC will go on sale in the international market by the end of this year while its Indian debut will be made next year in 2016. Meanwhile Mercedes India is preparing to launch the GLE SUV in a couple of months.

The GLC will be manufactured in Mercedes-Benz factories in Germany, United States and China, and will be sold with a range of longitudinally mounted in-line four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines from the new C-class range. Buyers will also be offered the option of a rear or four-wheel drive depending on the engine they choose. At some point, the GLC could also be available as an AMG version as well.